FACULTY OF HEALTH

FREE Massive Open Online

Course (MOOC)
Preventing Dementia

With the ageing of the global population, dementia

is fast becoming the public health issue of the 21st
Century. It is never too late to do something good
for the brain and reduce your risk.
Relevant to health professionals, health policy
professionals, aged care service providers and
those with an interest in brain health and/or
dementia risk reduction.

DURATION 5 weeks Whats involved

STUDY LOAD Flexible About this course
INTAKE 12 July 2016
Learn from home over 5 weeks, at your own pace with the
CAMPUS Online
opportunity to engage with a community of participants from across
FEE Free
the globe without exams or assignments.

The latest research estimates that approximately a third of dementia
cases may be preventable by attending to potentially modifiable
risk factors. The impacts of dementia, including loss of physical and
cognitive capacity, are felt community wide - from family and carers
through to the health professionals knowledge is becoming the key
to understanding prevention.
The Preventing Dementia MOOC draws on the latest scientific
evidence, as well as the expertise of leading researchers in dementia
prevention, to outline and discuss the key risk factors for dementia
that are potentially modifiable.
The course draws upon the expertise of global experts in dementia
research and education including neuroscientists, clinicians and
epidemiologists to discuss ways we may be able to reduce your risk.
Myths and controversies will also be discussed. You will also have
an opportunity to participate in new research in this area, and to
undertake a personal risk assessment.

Course Overview
Week 1 - Can dementia be prevented?
Learn about key concepts in dementia prevention as well as the
diseases that cause this condition. The impacts of dementia on the
health care system will also be discussed.
Week 2 - Risk factors for dementia
Learn about how we study dementia risk in populations, as well as
the major modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors.
Week 3 - Dementia Risk - its not all in your head
This week examines the evidence supporting links between key
vascular and medical risk factors with dementia.
Week 4 - A healthy and active life
Learn about the links between key lifestyle factors and risk of
dementia. The impact of education and depression on dementia risk
will be discussed. Also learn how we can build 'cognitive reserve' to
resist the effects of diseases that cause dementia.
Week 5 - Interventions for prevention
Key strategies for prevention at the individual and population level are About the Faculty of Health
examined. New research initiatives that may impact on dementia risk
are explored.
Frequently asked questions
How much time do I need to set aside each week?
We recommend approximately 2 hours per week.
Are there any prerequisites for the course?
No, you do not need any prior level of knowledge, and we hope to
provide useful information to people at a range of educational levels.
As it is fully online, basic computer skills are required to complete the
course. You will also need an email address to sign up for a profile at
mooc.utas.edu.au and enrol.
Do I receive a certificate of completion?
Yes, if you complete the entire course, which includes successful
completion of quizzes, you will be able to download a free certificate
of completion/participation. Please note that this is an electronic
certificate.
Can participation in the MOOC count towards my Continuing
Professional Development (CPD) record?
The requirements of CPD hours or points varies across professions,
as well as between countries, where they may be known under
other names, such as CEUs. Check with your local training
authority or professional association for more information about CPD
requirements.
What is a MOOC?
MOOC is an acronym for Massive Open Online Course a recent
global educational development that has been embraced by key
universities and learning institutions around the world. MOOCs
offer free online learning opportunities, with institutions such as the
University of Tasmania sharing their expertise and knowledge in an
open environment that is accessible to any and all interested parties.
The people behind the progress
The University of Tasmanias Faculty of Health has a primary focus
on utilising education and research to transform healthcare for
Tasmanians, Australians and the world.
Made up two schools Medicine, Health Sciences and The
Wicking Centre - and offering a wide range of courses, the Faculty
is guided by the goal of achieving outstanding health education
and translational research.
With staff of the highest quality, research partnerships all around
the world, and an unwavering commitment to excellence
in education and research, we are well placed to address
contemporary health challenges on a local and global scale.
For more information on the Faculty, our courses and our research
head to www.utas.edu.au/health
Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre
Established with core funding from the J.O and J.R Wicking
Trust (Equity Trustees) The Wicking Centre is a leading academic
organisation within the Faculty of Health. It combines quality
research in the themes of Care, Cause and Prevention of dementia,
with advanced online learning technologies, to achieve its purpose
of addressing the global impact of dementia.
Preventing Dementia MOOC Partnership
Developed by The Wicking Centre and University of Tasmania,
the Preventing Dementia MOOC also draws upon the expertise of
leading global academics in the field of dementia prevention from
the University of Cambridge, University of Melbourne, Monash
University, University of the Sunshine Coast, University of Sydney
and The Australian National University.
The course starts 12th July 2016. Enrol now
To find out more
Visit: www.utas.edu.au/preventing-mooc
Facebook: www.facebook.com/PreventingDementia
CRICOS Provider Code: 00586B